Richard Garriott's Tabula Rasa

 PC
  • Publisher: NCSOFT
  • Release Date: Oct 30, 2007
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 113 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 83 out of 113
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 113
  3. Negative: 19 out of 113

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  1. MikeB.
    Jan 9, 2008
    10
    Despite what a lot of the nay sayers may be posting i had more fun in this game than i have had in any game to come out in the past 10 years. Sure there are some bugs but those will surely be addressed. The new gameplay style is awesome compared to the boring old MMO style found in every single MMO. Now if you liked the way the older games played then this new system might not be for you, Despite what a lot of the nay sayers may be posting i had more fun in this game than i have had in any game to come out in the past 10 years. Sure there are some bugs but those will surely be addressed. The new gameplay style is awesome compared to the boring old MMO style found in every single MMO. Now if you liked the way the older games played then this new system might not be for you, but that doesnt mean it sucks. It just means you like things the old way and this game isn't for you. But for those players that are looking for something more real-time and different then this game probably has something to make you happy. The graphics aren't the greatest in the world, but at least they used great colors and environmental effects to keep the world from looking bland. Overall I think this game was just super amazing to play. Any game that can get me back into video gaming (hardcore style) is worth a 10. I almost completely swore off games because of all the crap coming out (on the PC anyway.)… Expand
  2. EricE.
    Jan 14, 2008
    6
    If you enjoy killing waves upon waves of about 5 different mobs with virtual no difference between the levels then you will enjoy this game. I really did enjoy it but after 3-4 weeks of killing the same mobs every single level by the thousands it got old. The Control Points (CP) in the game are a interesting and fun object of the game. However even this gets boring because 2-3 players can If you enjoy killing waves upon waves of about 5 different mobs with virtual no difference between the levels then you will enjoy this game. I really did enjoy it but after 3-4 weeks of killing the same mobs every single level by the thousands it got old. The Control Points (CP) in the game are a interesting and fun object of the game. However even this gets boring because 2-3 players can take or defend almost any CP. This game is very shallow and has no depth. If there wasn't a monthly fee then a lot of my complaints I wouldn't mind but I expect more for my $15 a month. However I will be keeping my eye on this game and see how it develops and will probably pop in and out of the game 1-2 months a year or whenever they release an expansion because it has potential. Just not realized yet.… Expand
  3. joshq
    Dec 21, 2007
    0
    WTF... why is this game rated so high, it sucks. The combat is just like any other mmoe xcept tehres no changes whatsoever in the middle of a fight except like the 4 skills u have lol. the game's story couldnt compell a 5 yr old, the graphics are shitty even for an mmo, wows 4 years old kids and it has better so stfu if ur one of the ppl sayin the graphics are good in this game, iWTF... why is this game rated so high, it sucks. The combat is just like any other mmoe xcept tehres no changes whatsoever in the middle of a fight except like the 4 skills u have lol. the game's story couldnt compell a 5 yr old, the graphics are shitty even for an mmo, wows 4 years old kids and it has better so stfu if ur one of the ppl sayin the graphics are good in this game, i swear wen i first saw trees i thought they were a cliff and teh best part is u cant walk between the trees lol? anyway the little pvp tehre is sucks believe me, like i said ur gonna have like 8 active skills tops by the end of the game.. lets be real this game is autoassault with human models.. 100x worse pvp, worse storyline, id say worse graphics especially terrain wise and even more static (boring) environments, an hows auto assault doing o wait it closed down because it couldnt even make the profit that MMOs u laugh at make... if u think im makin up my comparisons between autoassault and this game, check it out urself, tehy run on NCsofts same engine basis similar to city of heroes. DONT FORGET THIS GAME COSTS LIKE 15-16$ PER MONTH… Expand
  4. BobwickR
    Aug 28, 2008
    0
    This game is so terrible that I uninstalled it before even being able to successfully create my first character! The client is so buggy that I essentially could not do so, or at least was unwilling to fight with it to manage it. I can only assume that most of the favorable reviews this game gets in the tabloids are due to shills who were paid for, and most of the favorable reviews it getsThis game is so terrible that I uninstalled it before even being able to successfully create my first character! The client is so buggy that I essentially could not do so, or at least was unwilling to fight with it to manage it. I can only assume that most of the favorable reviews this game gets in the tabloids are due to shills who were paid for, and most of the favorable reviews it gets in the user base are due to rampant stupidity and a willingness to pay for utter garbage. I had the opportunity to play this game for free for two weeks and I've already uninstalled it. I suggest you do the same, if you've already wasted your time acquiring it. If not, don't.… Expand
  5. NK
    Dec 15, 2007
    3
    This simply won't cut it as an MMO--an MMO's interface must be intuitive and dead simple for it to truly succeed. This game is a chore to play. The constant gunshot sounds grind on your brain.
  6. JackieJ.
    Nov 4, 2007
    10
    This game is like a breath of fresh air. I like shooters, but I'm not as super accurate as the people who eat, breathe, and sleep FPSes. With TR, I can have my cake and eat it to.... rpg and fps melded together!
  7. JoeG.
    Nov 6, 2007
    9
    Beautiful, fast-paced, compelling, well-designed, addictive. I think it's the WoW killer, at last. Enjoying every minute of it. I've played a lot of MMORPGs, and this is the best one so far, no contest.
  8. MaxD.
    Apr 1, 2008
    7
    The arcade-game of MMORPGs, the fast paced, aggression-rewarding combat and interesting play styles and abilities are what set this apart from the pack. Because of this, however, dedicated MMORPG players will likely be put off by the rather shallow and twitchy game play. As of March 2008 they have added more content to address this, but Tabula Rasa still mainly shines in 30-60 minuteThe arcade-game of MMORPGs, the fast paced, aggression-rewarding combat and interesting play styles and abilities are what set this apart from the pack. Because of this, however, dedicated MMORPG players will likely be put off by the rather shallow and twitchy game play. As of March 2008 they have added more content to address this, but Tabula Rasa still mainly shines in 30-60 minute bursts of entertainment, unlike the hours-long sessions of its rivals.… Expand
  9. Mikhail
    Nov 20, 2007
    9
    In my opinion, this game gave a second breath to the MMORPG world, and brought new, exclusive and initially new features to a gameplay. A good, interesting game with a interesing and exciting story.
  10. AnonymousMC
    Nov 26, 2007
    10
    An MMO where the player can feel like a hero and does not die at the sight of the first enemy, that's what I like and that's what TR delivers. Nice graphics, nice animations, great environmental sound and music, interesting storyline, better quests than any other MMORPG and still contains a little bit of mystery as far as game mechanics are conserned, this game feels less like anAn MMO where the player can feel like a hero and does not die at the sight of the first enemy, that's what I like and that's what TR delivers. Nice graphics, nice animations, great environmental sound and music, interesting storyline, better quests than any other MMORPG and still contains a little bit of mystery as far as game mechanics are conserned, this game feels less like an Excel-sheet rpg, one good example of which WoW is.… Expand
  11. BobH.
    Nov 3, 2007
    9
    Fantastic game and storyline, no elves! YAY! People complain about lag but it is more likely they have the graphics settings too high and it is client-side not server-side. Yes it needs a beast to run at high res in Ultra mode but scales nicely too for lower-end PCs, just takes a bit of playing around with the settings. Lots of features to come let's hope it lives up to the hype
  12. PeterS.
    Nov 5, 2007
    10
    A game with potential, to be sure. Whether something will be done with that potential? The current game industry makes something of a sceptic out of me, but I'm willing to remain hopeful for a game that sweet.
  13. PhilP.
    Nov 5, 2007
    9
    The first MMO in years that's actually vaguely original, with a unique MMO control system, great storyline and engaging combat system. If you're bored of all of the fantasy and medieval clones then perhaps this is for you. It's a multiplayer Starship Troopers meets Planetside with just a hint of Ultima Online's ground breaking (at the time) take on the world of online The first MMO in years that's actually vaguely original, with a unique MMO control system, great storyline and engaging combat system. If you're bored of all of the fantasy and medieval clones then perhaps this is for you. It's a multiplayer Starship Troopers meets Planetside with just a hint of Ultima Online's ground breaking (at the time) take on the world of online gaming. It's top notch - but you have to give it time to catch your attention, so it's not one for those who lack an attention span.… Expand
  14. AlphabetK.
    Nov 5, 2007
    10
    No game is for everyone. For those, like me, who love space opera, shooting, a fast pace, lots of exploration, a constant sense of danger, a loot system that is rewarding but slow, so that you value each new pistol or piece of armour you get as a quest reward - for people like me, Tabula Rasa is a wonderful surprise. The tutorial is underwhelming, and the first few missions a little No game is for everyone. For those, like me, who love space opera, shooting, a fast pace, lots of exploration, a constant sense of danger, a loot system that is rewarding but slow, so that you value each new pistol or piece of armour you get as a quest reward - for people like me, Tabula Rasa is a wonderful surprise. The tutorial is underwhelming, and the first few missions a little bland. But give it half an hour, when you're crouching on a rock trying to snipe enemies in a bunker 30m below you, while all around dropships dispense more enemies and your colleagues are barely able to cope with the onslaught, you'll be in love. I spent seven hours on the Sunday after release fighting my way through the three major mission-instances on the first large map, and I haven't had as much fun playing a game in years. There's a wide variety of skills and stuff to acquire, and a developing story. But the key to the appeal of this is that it's fun to play, and the sense of place is very good. Forcefields! Laser Turrets! Raiding a research complex with five friends and being attacked by thirty aliens on a sun-blasted ramp! Will it last? Is it worth subscribing to? I don't know. All I know is that for the price of admission, Tabula Rasa has already given me more fun than any game this year save Bioshock and Portal, and it's already had more hours than those two together.… Expand
  15. MichaelH.
    Nov 6, 2007
    10
    I was suprised how good this is. Now at lvl 22 and still every time when i play it feels better and better. Honestly, for me this is possible serious alternative for wow.
  16. JimP.
    Nov 6, 2007
    10
    TR is amazingly addictive. There are moments playing the game where it truly feels like you're in the middle of a ferocious war. There are other moments where you can take your time and enjoy the scenery. There are moments where you can focus on crafting or socialising in bases and forming your squad or clan. Overall, I can't recommend this game more, it's fantastic!
  17. D.Z.
    Oct 20, 2007
    4
    A bland MMO with poor performance on most machines. This game makes very little effort to engage you in what could be a very gripping story. Instead, like most MMOs, it pushes you through the story, making you feel as if what you do has no real effect. The interface is also not inspired, it looks exactly like every other MMO on the market. Overall, I would've expected more from A bland MMO with poor performance on most machines. This game makes very little effort to engage you in what could be a very gripping story. Instead, like most MMOs, it pushes you through the story, making you feel as if what you do has no real effect. The interface is also not inspired, it looks exactly like every other MMO on the market. Overall, I would've expected more from Richard Garriot.… Expand
  18. Brandon
    Feb 9, 2008
    4
    aimless and boring grind. The entire thing is basically Richard Garriot glorifying himself like the whackjob he is, he tromps around in a fantasy persona called "General British" and just about every event is centered around him. The game has a weak story overall and it has a few graphical bugs that are pretty annoying. Overall I was disappointed, especially the repetitive combat and aimless and boring grind. The entire thing is basically Richard Garriot glorifying himself like the whackjob he is, he tromps around in a fantasy persona called "General British" and just about every event is centered around him. The game has a weak story overall and it has a few graphical bugs that are pretty annoying. Overall I was disappointed, especially the repetitive combat and limited customization.… Expand
  19. unacomn
    Sep 3, 2008
    9
    Tabula Rasa is an excelent change of pace from regular MMOs. It has a relativly unique gameplay style with many interesting options such as cloning, and more to come in fallowing patches. The best thing I like about this game is the atmosphere, the constant warzone where you can stand around, look at the scenery, and get hit by an incoming mortar. No other MMO does that. The game is goodTabula Rasa is an excelent change of pace from regular MMOs. It has a relativly unique gameplay style with many interesting options such as cloning, and more to come in fallowing patches. The best thing I like about this game is the atmosphere, the constant warzone where you can stand around, look at the scenery, and get hit by an incoming mortar. No other MMO does that. The game is good and has the potentioal to grow even further.… Expand
  20. Godstar
    Nov 11, 2007
    5
    Graphics sucks, I had them turned up on a quad core system with an NVIDIA 8800 GTS and background effects were either popping or bleeding into the foreground. Water effects were bleeding into other areas, and all that before I've even left the starting area! The game itself looks about 5-7 years dated graphically, so wasn't too impressed. The gameplay is 'so so' and Graphics sucks, I had them turned up on a quad core system with an NVIDIA 8800 GTS and background effects were either popping or bleeding into the foreground. Water effects were bleeding into other areas, and all that before I've even left the starting area! The game itself looks about 5-7 years dated graphically, so wasn't too impressed. The gameplay is 'so so' and seems to be way overhyped for what it is. Anarchy Online is a bit better IMO, and at least is a bit more fleshed out of a game if you want a sci-fi based MMORPG. Eve Online if you want ships. I wouldn't recommend this beta quality game to anyone, maybe in a year when they fix their issues.… Expand
  21. GregHamilton
    Nov 1, 2007
    10
    Recovering WOW addicts will like this game a lot. The pace is fast, but familiar enough. I was in early beta, and had my doubts at first if it would be ready by Xmas. But the last several patches have really shown load of progress each time. All the complaints I see are about stuff fixed weeks ago, which I find kinda dumb. If they keep it up, they can compete with games that already haveRecovering WOW addicts will like this game a lot. The pace is fast, but familiar enough. I was in early beta, and had my doubts at first if it would be ready by Xmas. But the last several patches have really shown load of progress each time. All the complaints I see are about stuff fixed weeks ago, which I find kinda dumb. If they keep it up, they can compete with games that already have their expansions out. I love the weapons and armor. The fighting can get intense. Definitely worth a buy.… Expand
  22. JimB.
    Nov 15, 2007
    10
    Amazing combat system, the best yet for an MMO, Graphically it's top notch, sound and visual effects are also amazing. Tabula Rasa is the complete package. Out of the box I'm having a blast and the planned updates sound like a ton of fun- mounts with guns!! I'm all in on TR!
  23. JulianH.
    Nov 2, 2007
    9
    Tabula Rasa brings a new level of innovation and gameplay to the MMO genre.
  24. JamesB.
    Nov 2, 2007
    9
    A brilliant divergance from the typical sword and scorcery MMO grinding garbage.
  25. CassieB.
    Nov 6, 2007
    10
    Beautiful graphics, engaging gameplay, fantastic UI.
  26. HolyMoley
    Nov 7, 2007
    9
    There are sooo many things to consider when appraising an MMORPG. But most importantly, I'm having fun without it feeling like a job. I really have enjoyed the pacing so far in this game. I'd give the game a 10 if I couldn't think of any ways to improve it, so I gave this a 9 as I think there are a few MINOR graphic and performance issues. They don't get int the way of There are sooo many things to consider when appraising an MMORPG. But most importantly, I'm having fun without it feeling like a job. I really have enjoyed the pacing so far in this game. I'd give the game a 10 if I couldn't think of any ways to improve it, so I gave this a 9 as I think there are a few MINOR graphic and performance issues. They don't get int the way of the game at all, but they're there and a little annoying. All in all, I think it feels new and refreshing when it comes to gameplay and character class. Oh, and the combat... You feel so much more engaged in it without the pointless cool downs. They balanced the weaponry out by adjusting the damage, not just making your toon stand there for three seconds, doing nothing in between attacks. Hey Richard Garriott... Nice game, man!… Expand
  27. JohnL.
    Oct 31, 2007
    8
    Faced paced fun that feels more like a solo player game than an MMO and that says alot.
  28. MarkM.
    Jan 28, 2008
    9
    Excellent game, does lack some polish, though. it's 1/28/2008, and my biggest worry is, no updates in the last 35+ days. Some updates are occuring on the server, looks like, but still some bugs I wish they would fix. Still, i've fallen hard for this game, i HOPE they keep improving it, it has huge potential
  29. AlexC.
    Nov 11, 2007
    5
    I was expecting this to be an FPS MMO but it's not. It's has a sort of semi twitch combat method that is neither FPS or turnbased but requires little skill to take the mobs down. I found this tedious after the first couple of hours. Not worth the money.
  30. Danny
    Nov 13, 2007
    6
    Certainly feels more like a solo player than an MMO, graphics are not to up to par, gets boring after a while. My biggest disappointment is, having to pay a monthly fee to play the game. It is fair to say, Tabula Rasa should be free to play online. Online players will lose interest & begin to decline overtime. At least, the creative mind of Richard Garriott will in fact help pave the road Certainly feels more like a solo player than an MMO, graphics are not to up to par, gets boring after a while. My biggest disappointment is, having to pay a monthly fee to play the game. It is fair to say, Tabula Rasa should be free to play online. Online players will lose interest & begin to decline overtime. At least, the creative mind of Richard Garriott will in fact help pave the road for future MMO… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

54
#54 Best PC Game of 2007
33
#33 Most Discussed PC Game of 2007
60
#60 Most Shared PC Game of 2007

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 34 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 34
  3. Negative: 0 out of 34
  1. GameDaily
    80
    It will appeal to both hardcore gamers who want to spend hours exploring every square centimeter of this immense world, as well as the casual gamer who only wishes to play for 20 minutes at a time yet feels like they accomplished something.
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  2. GameSpy
    80
    While the lack of an auction house hurts the game, the awesome combat, intense battlefield action, fun missions and interesting character progression is more than enough to keep players coming back for a good long while. A well-realized science fiction setting in a genre overflowing with elves and orcs doesn't hurt either.
    Read full review
  3. GamesRadar+
    80
    If this genre has intimidated you in the past, Tabula Rasa is the perfect entry point with its user-friendliness and swift tempo. Calling it a clean slate may be a bit of a stretch, but Richard Garriott has certainly provided gamers with something unique.
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